And you may comfort yourself with the thought that you have been the caltrop under her satin shoe every step of the way. You misdirected the Romantic Facilitator she had hired, you turned up in her own house and reported her plans to her father and when she was on the brink of snatching the ransom you careered in from stage left dressed as a pantomime horse and threw everything into disorder. And then, just when she was probably working her way towards claiming a second ransom, you rescued her.
The quote reflects a character's feelings of interference and manipulation in another person's life, particularly highlighting the chaotic influence they have had. Despite their intentions, they see themselves as an unintentional obstacle in her plans, constantly disrupting her efforts. They were involved in crucial moments, including misdirecting someone she hired and revealing her intentions to her father, showcasing their role in the turmoil of her situation.
This character's actions, described in a humorous and theatrical manner, create a sense of irony. They simultaneously hinder the woman's ambitions while also coming to her aid at pivotal moments. The imagery of being a "caltrop under her satin shoe" emphasizes their position as a minor yet disruptive force in her grand narrative, which adds depth to the dynamics of control and rescue within the story.